Jan Gunnar Hoff Group - Featuring Mike Stern (2018) [Hi-Res]

Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei come close enough to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles.

If you have ever wondered what “fusion” sounds like musically…then wonder no more. It is laid out, immaculately, in this most special album. We hear fusion in all its glory, the crossover between jazz, funk and rock performed with perfect precision. This is achieved not only with excellence of composition and inexorable instrumental virtuosity, but also by choice of studio, production and mastering techniques. Best of all – the album sounds fresh, vibrant and it’s American superstar guitarist guest Mike Stern is, having recovered from a serious accident, back on top form.

The collaboration between pianist Jan Gunnar Hoff and guitar legend Mike Stern started in 2006 with Hoff´s commission Magma for the Nordland Music Festival. In 2006-2008 the Jan Gunnar Hoff Group toured with Stern in Norway, Ukraine and Estonia and their CD Magma was released; a much appreciated album where Stern played a significant role. There was another successful tour in 2016 when Audun Kleive (drums) and Per Mathisen (bass) completed the Mike Stern & Jan Gunnar Hoff Quartet.

Stern and Hoff´s plan for their 2018 project was to present compositions from both parties and find a “common ground” for the new album. Hoff wrote 5 new tunes while Stern contributed 3 selections from his previous solo albums. During the band´s tour in March 2018 the material was further developed and arranged for this new recording.

The result is a varied album that showcases a great musical collaboration between Mike Stern and his superb Norwegian counterparts Hoff, Kleive and Mathisen.

Jazz/rock firepower, blues, synthesis, combination, mixture, blending, and integration – this is music impeccably performed by four of the very best musicians on the planet. Enjoy!

Jan Gunnar Hoff, piano, keyboards
Mike Stern, guitar
Per Mathisen, bass
Audun Kleive, drums